Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Storm-front shield – apron – or robe
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-30
2001-08-28
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Storm-front shield, apron, or robe
C052S204591
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279983
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method of installing a window trim molding for adhering to a planar edge surface of the outer periphery of a fixed automotive window.
PRIOR ART STATEMENT
It is known to provide a window trim molding around the periphery of the edge of the window by forming spaced opposing members interconnected by a member at approximately right angles thereto, thereby forming a U-shaped channel into which the edge of the window is inserted. The opposing members closely grip and retain the outer and inner planar surfaces of the window edge, and the surface of the interconnecting member contacts the vertical edge of the window between the planar surfaces. Adhesion between the members and the window edge may be provided by application of an adhesive to the contacted surfaces of the window edge while a primer, acting as an adhesion promoter, may be applied to the contacting surfaces of the molding. This provides the maximum adhesion between the window and the molding members. Such a construction is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,019 to Gross; 5,338,087 to Gross et al; and 5,538,314 to Young et al; all of common assignment. In these constructions, a portion of the outer gripping member also conceals the space between the edge of the window and an adjacent body panel.
A second type of molding may be applied to the inner planar surface only of the window so that the edge of the window is not concealed. The molding member is adhered to the window edge by use of a similar adhesive and compatible primer, and may have an attached flexible member that extends into the space between the window edge and the body panel. A typical patent showing such a construction is U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,028, issued to Hill et al. Two pending applications filed by one of the Applicants herein are Ser. No. 09/488,049, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and 09/548,850, filed Apr. 13, 2000. These applications refer to both types of construction discussed above, one of which utilizes members gripping and retaining the outer and inner planar surfaces of the window edge and the vertical window edge; and the other having a single member adhered to only the inner planar surface of the window edge. These applications also refer to other related prior art, which is now brought to the attention of the PTO. The salient feature of these applications is in the use of a co-extruded material on the window edge-contacting surface or surfaces of the window edge, in lieu of the primer material. This concept is also incorporated herein as a modified form of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a method of installing a molding around the periphery of the window edge wherein the molding initially is similar to the type of molding having gripping and retaining members on both planar surfaces, thus providing maximum holding and alignment of the molding on the window. However, adhesion is provided between the inner member of the molding and the inner planar surface of the window edge only; but not between the outer member and the outer planar surface of the window; and not between the interconnecting member of the molding and the vertical window edge. These last two members are subsequently removed so that only the inner molding member remains adhered to the window edge, and the outer planar surface of the window edge is exposed. By using previously installed indicia at the plane of intersection of the lower member and the interconnecting member, to designate the portions to be removed, the desired member remains adhered to the window. A flexible member, similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,028, is also part of the remaining adhered molding member and extends into the space between the body panel and the window edge.
The process utilized herein, and the related molding construction, thus provides a superior initial grip of the molding on the window edge than if done as in the prior art processes. This minimizes the chance of misalignment of the adhered member, and also avoids the use of expensive and cumbersome aligning mechanisms which would be required if the adhered member were to be applied, as in the prior art. This process also lessens the possibility of the adhered member pulling away during assembly. The adhesion referred to herein may be either achieved by applying the adhesive on the inner planar surface of the window edge, in combination with a primer on the contacting surface of the molding member; or in combination with a co-extruded elastomeric material on the contacting surface of the molding member, as discussed above.
It is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved installation of a window trim molding on an automotive window.
It is a further object to provide a secure and accurate installation of such a window trim molding.
These and other objects and features will become apparent from the embodiments described and shown herein.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3807107 (1974-04-01), Davis
patent: 4950019 (1990-08-01), Gross
patent: 5154028 (1992-10-01), Hill et al.
patent: 5311711 (1994-05-01), Desir, Sr.
patent: 5338087 (1994-08-01), Gross et al.
patent: 5538314 (1996-07-01), Young et al.
patent: 5669131 (1997-09-01), Gold
patent: 6179940 (2001-01-01), Escobar-Y-Gamboa et al.
patent: 2219338-A (1989-12-01), None
patent: 4-163225-A (1992-06-01), None
Biondo James R.
Young Jack D.
Creative Extruded Products Inc.
Engle Patricia
Pape Joseph D.
Wolk Reuben
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